On October 8, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would establish new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students. No action is required from students at this time based on the proposed rule.
On September 18, 2026, two actions were issued affecting the H-1B program.
The International Student Hardship Fund is now open for Fall 2026. Since April 2025, the Fund has provided emergency financial assistance to Columbia international students experiencing unexpected costs related to changes in U.S. immigration and visa policies. The Fund is intended to support students facing financial hardship due to travel or visa issues or other impacts resulting from recent from visa or travel uncertainty.
On August 31, Provost Olinto, and Vice Provosts Neill & Urquiola wrote to all members of Columbia’s international student community regarding recent federal advisories that limit eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 students.
ISSO has released additional advising appointments for our Columbia community. Appointments are released three weeks in advance of appointment times. Students and scholars may book an appointment for in-person or Zoom advising sessions.
Over the weekend, ISSO added a dozen frequently asked questions to the dedicated webpage on the Fixed Time Period of Admissions Rule. These FAQs are a combination of the questions we’ve been receiving from you and as well as topics we anticipate will be of interest. We will continue to add questions and answers over time.
We understand that you may have questions about how this update impacts you. Register here for the webinar. The webinar is open to all current and incoming Columbia students, scholars, faculty, and staff.
On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published final regulatory changes replacing “duration of status” with a “fixed time period of admission” scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. The regulatory changes will mean that F and J visa holders will be admitted for a fixed period of up to the program length and not to exceed four years, with students needing to apply for extensions of stay if they require more time to finish their degrees.
A U.S. District Court in Rhode Island vacated a USCIS policy that had broadly paused adjudication of multiple immigration benefit requests, e.g. OPT/STEM OPT extensions, H-1B petitions, etc. The court found the policy violated the Administrative Procedure Act. This ruling is expected to apply nationwide to all pending cases.
On Friday, May 22, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memo addressing how officers should exercise discretion in adjustment of status (AOS) adjudications for those seeking to obtain permanent residence (green card).